Drug Rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation is a multifaceted and complex specialization
that requires a good deal of formal education, an empathetic
ear and heart, and the willingness to work long hard hours
to the benefit of others. People entering the drug rehabilitation
field should keep these concepts in mind when first embarking
on that career path.
Although for the most part there are relatively few undergraduate level programs
that will specifically prepare students to work in the drug rehabilitation field,
many colleges, community colleges, and universities offer degrees in precursor
fields of study. For example, many community colleges have tremendously successful
nursing programs that help students move from the classroom to the workplace
relatively quickly. As part of this quick and intense program of study, drug
rehabilitation is covered in several classes, and most student nurses must spend
a bit of time as an intern in drug rehabilitation facilities.
Another path to becoming a professional in the drug rehabilitation field is majoring
in psychology at a four year college or university. Over the course of earning
a bachelor of arts or sciences degree in psychology, many courses address drug
rehabilitation techniques, drug rehabilitation centers, and the relationship
between drug rehabilitation and psychology and psychiatry. Once a bachelor’s
degree has been earned, many students work entry level positions at drug rehabilitation
centers in order to garner a good amount of real world experience. It is in these
early positions that drug rehabilitation professionals learn the importance of
being empathetic, a great listener, and just how much of significant it is being
a drug rehabilitation professional.
Once a bachelor’s is earned, and the prospective professional has spent
a bit of time working in a drug rehabilitation center, one can then apply for
a myriad of graduate school programs designed for different levels of the drug
rehabilitation field. One may earn a Master’s degree in social work, a
Ph. D. in psychology, or attend medical school to become an MD who specializes
in psychiatry and drug rehabilitation.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
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